Vehicle report
2014 Ford Explorer
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2014 Ford Explorer, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2014 Ford Explorer has 7 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 5 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
7
Open recalls
15
Complaints
5
Overall safety
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2014 Ford Explorer recalls (7)
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
WHEELS:HUB
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
2014 Ford Explorer safety ratings
5
Overall
5
Front
5
Side
4
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2014 Ford Explorer owner complaints (15)
- STRUCTURE
Recall issued and notified via mail by Ford for faulty A-pillarsin 2024. A-pillars can fall off vehicle while driving and can cause safety issue. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection in March of 2025 to verify issue and was informed that no parts are available. After several visits to service department and phone calls, still no parts available for now 2+ years. Ford apparently has no intention of providing parts for the recall.
- STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There are often times that there is a strong exhaust odor inside the vehicle, especially when idling
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This complaint concerns a failed federal safety recall repair that has resulted in structural damage and rendered my vehicle unsafe to drive. I am the original owner of this vehicle (since XXX). On XXX, Riverside Ford ([XXX]) performed a federal safety recall repair on my vehicle's A-pillars. On January 28, 2026, the vehicle began leaking water. On that day the dealership find the leak due to cracked A-pillar from the clip not holding.In May 2026 I had 4 inches of standing water on the passenger side while in Florida on vacation, and smeared excessive, unprofessional adhesive on the exterior trim. Took it to the dealership the Monday after returned from vacation to have them figure out why it was leaking again. They charged me $218 to have a diagnostic check even though it was part of the recall. Couldn't find any leaks. Took the headliner down. Said that they cleaned out the sunroof tubes but didn't verify if anything ever came out of them. Went back again because of the adhesive that was seeping and dried onto it and you look it's very sloppy. Contacted Ford corporate office opened a case. On XXX, during a another attempt, the dealership replaced the A-pillars again. Upon pickup, the interior sunroof headliner was completely sagging and unseated from its rails. There are massive structural gaps on all sides where I can stick my hand through to the sunroof rails. The dealership service manager, Connie Tell, denied responsibility and refused to let me view the shop video. The vehicle is no longer weather-tight, poses an interior electrical/mildew hazard, and cannot be driven in the rain due to the dealership's faulty execution of a federal safety recall. They also chipped paint off of my vehicle again taking the pillars off to replace them. Connie, when I had mentioned it said you already have paint chips on your car. What difference would it make that's not the point at all. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sudden and complete loss of power steering assist while vehicle was in operation. Vehicle became extremely difficult to steer, creating safety hazard for driver and child passenger. Inspection revealed 150A EPAS Mega Fuse, Part #L0114875AA, was melted due to electrical short in Power Steering Control Module. This is identical to the defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 14V316000 / Ford 14S06. Fire risk confirmed by melted/burned fuse condition. Photos of failed component attached. Component is available for inspection. Ford Customer Service denied assistance under Recall 14S06 on 07/10/2026, claiming vehicle was not covered despite physical evidence of the exact defect described in the recall. Vehicle manufacture date is 06/2014. Ford Technical Service Bulletin 15-0082 acknowledges some 2014 vehicles may still have defective modules installed. Vehicle is currently inoperable. Owner has dependent child with medical therapy appointments requiring reliable transportation. Current mileage approximate as vehicle cannot be driven. Request immediate NHTSA investigation and enforcement under federal safety law 49 USC 30120.
- STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received the notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that the driver’s side exterior trim was loose. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the part was on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but the line was busy. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- STRUCTURE
I am the owner of a 2014 Ford Explorer. There is an open recall on the vehicle; Recall number: 24S02. The plastic retention clips holding the exterior A-pillar moldings may not be properly engaged, which can allow the pieces to loosen and fly off at highway speeds. During the period following receipt of the recall notices I have made attempts to have the recall resolved. I made the attempts during routine safety and emissions testing, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance service visits. I have been advised by the dealer that the parts are unavailable and Ford has provided no timeline for parts availability. I contacted Ford Corporation directly and have been unable to obtain a date when parts would be available and was redirected to the dealer. My understanding is that the dealer is unable to perform the requisite service because it is unable or unwilling to provide the necessary parts.
- STEERING
While sitting at a stop light, waiting to turn, the steering wheel went stiff, then I was forced to make the turn without the power steering. it started working again but made a very loud grindy noise. the noise has not gone away. I took it to a shop, and they assesed everything, and stated the power steering rack has a fault code, and that the inner tie rods are loose, along with they can hear the power steering rack motor making a lot of noise. while going down the road the steering wheel shakes, and when making turns the steering wheel sticks and I have to yank the wheel back to unstick it. the vehicle is available to be inspected, at any time. I was almost in an accident multiple times due to the steering sticking and the wild vibration in the wheel. please help
- STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The defective recall items outlined in NHTSA Recall 24V031 (safety recall notice 24S02) continue to remain unrepaired and unresolved. The original notice was dated January 2024 and advised that parts and repairs should be available by late 2024. As of May 26, 2026 parts are not available and the windshield trim attachments and related rubber seals are not in place. The safety recall notice details the risks associated with this unrepaired and unresolved recall item.
- STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My pillar are coming off to the point when it rains water get inside my car. It’s messed up my system in my car. I can’t close my sun roof and water comes down from my lights that’s above my head where you put your sunny sunglasses in. I been calling around and still haven’t got no where.
- STEERING
When driving, the steering wheel became less responsive. The next day, we drove a few hundred miles and got gas. After turning the car back on, the steering became even less responsive, resulting in a lot of force being needed to be used in order to turn the vehicle. In addition to this, the car was extremely difficult to keep straight, making driving on a single-lane road extremely dangerous. We have dropped the car off at the dealership and are waiting until Monday or Tuesday for a diagnosis and repair.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Backup camera failed, screen turns black or freezes when the car is put in Reverse. While driving or in reverse the screen becomes pixelated with red, green stripes. The camera is unuseable which creates a safety hazard. A recall is currently active for Ford 2015 explorers but not 2014 ford explorers. It is the exact problem the 2015 explorers are experiencing. The recall needs to be expanded to include the 2014 models.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dashboard will randomly not work upon start up or stop working while driving... this only occurs for no longer than 1 min and will self correct. I have had multiple mechanics look for the cause of the issue and have replaced everything short of the instrument cluster and the wiring harness of the truck. While this doesn't seem to interfere with the function of my vehicle, this is/can be very dangerous. Please advise
- STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 FORD Explorer. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the contact noticed the pillar was flapping on both driver side and passenger side, both sides are now fully gone including the top strip. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (24V031000 (STRUCTURE) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Checking a used Ford Explorer before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2014 Explorer in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Explorer's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2014 Ford Explorer in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Ford Explorer, or browse more Ford models.
2014 Ford Explorer — questions and answers
Does the 2014 Ford Explorer have any recalls?+
Our check found 7 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2014 Ford Explorer. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2014 Ford Explorer have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2014 Ford Explorer in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2014 Ford Explorer safe?+
The 2014 Ford Explorer has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2014 Ford Explorer VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Ford free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Ford dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
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